069. Why Choose a Literature-Based Homeschool?
Why Choose a Literature-Based Homeschool?
Are you looking for a way to make learning more memorable and impactful for your kids? Are you tired of adding more screens to your home or feeling drained by boring textbooks? A literature-based homeschool might be just what you need. This approach not only prepares your child for academic success but also fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning. It enhances their communication skills and can turn their education into an engaging, interconnected experience.
Today, we’re sharing how using a literature-based approach has set our kids up for success in our homeschools and how it can make a real difference in your family’s educational experience too!
Episode 069:
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Are you just starting your homeschooling journey? We’re here to help! Begin with our Get Started in Homeschooling page and Homeschooling FAQ to make the transition smoother. If you’re guiding a young child, explore our How to Homeschool Kindergarten. to make those first steps special. For middle schoolers, don’t miss our Middle School page packed with tips and advice. And if you’re heading into the high school years, our Essential Steps to Homeschool High School will guide you every step of the way!
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Choosing the right Homeschooling Method can make all the difference in your family. Using a literature-based approach in both our homeschools has set our kids up for success. How do your kids learn best? Schools often rely on boring textbooks, but homeschooling opens up a world of alternative approaches-there are so many different methods out there. Nutella school year labels
What is a Literature-based Approach?
You know we are all about igniting a love of learning and a literature-based approach can be a powerful way to do that! This method uses “living” books. A living book is one that was written by a person who has a deep passion for the subject they are writing about. It’s a book that draws you into the story and captivates your imagination. They make you care about the subject or characters and get you to think.
The beauty about this approach is its flexibility; you can easily create your own literature-based units using our FREE Unit Planner or choose from tons of ready-made curricula with pre-selected sources that offer a rich blend of literature.
Why Choose a Literature-based Approach?
The power of a literature-based education goes beyond just learning facts—it nurtures a love for reading and, in turn, develops strong writing skills. When children are exposed to well-written stories, they naturally absorb the rhythms and structures of good writing. This immersion in quality literature helps them develop a rich vocabulary, an understanding of narrative flow, and the ability to express their thoughts clearly and creatively.
Our own experience with this method has been invaluable. Our young adults have all earned their associate degrees while still in high school, and our teenagers are on the same path. They have not only thrived academically but have also each developed a deep love for reading and writing. They were well-prepared for college, and we are confident that this approach can bring similar success to you.
We’ve heard from a lot of new homeschoolers who, after withdrawing their children from school, expressed concerns about how their previous school forced them to read dry and inaccessible textbooks. This kind of experience can spoil a child’s love for reading or even turn them off from it entirely. But you can change this and help your child rediscover a love for literature starting today!
If you’re struggling after withdrawing your child, it is essential that you begin the process of Deschooling. Deschooling is an important step after withdrawing your child as it helps them regain their natural curiosity and love for learning. In Episode 34, Deschooling 101, we give practical strategies and ways to set you up for success. Do this before starting any program.
But think about it: stories have been cherished across cultures and throughout history. For centuries, myths, legends, and historical accounts have been passed down through storytelling. Stories have a profound impact on our lives—they’re woven into the very fabric of who we are.
How often do your kids ask to hear “just one more chapter” from a textbook? Probably never. But when children read or hear a good story, they become emotionally invested and want to keep going! Stories provide them with insights into life in other times and places while subtly teaching them about character and values.
We can’t talk about a literature based curriculum without talking a bit about Charlotte Mason:
The Influence of Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason was a pioneering educator in the late 19th century who profoundly influenced the literature-based approach to homeschooling. She believed that education should be an engaging and enriching experience. She encouraged teachers to introduce great minds to her students—authors, artists, and composers— and then just get out of the way.
So it makes sense that the methods she used for literature were simply reading and narrating. Mason championed the use of “living books” written by a single author passionate about their subject. Her philosophies continue to inspire homeschoolers all over the world, emphasizing the importance of fostering a lifelong love of learning through well-written literature. You’ll find a lot of Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum choices out there, both religious and secular. Build Your Library
Wildwood Curriculum
Blossom and Root
Torchlight
Simply Charlotte Mason
Strengthening Family Bonds Through Shared Reading
One of the greatest joys of a literature-rich homeschool is the way it brings your entire family together. Imagine you and your kids cuddled up on the sofa sharing stories about history, science, and classic literature. Reading aloud as a family not only enhances learning but also builds strong bonds. It also ignites some fantastic and sometimes intense discussions. You may laugh or possibly shed tears together over a powerful story. These are some of our favorite memories together.
Reading The Chronicles of Narnia was one of these special times for me and my kids. This is a great series set during World War II and follows Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they discover the land of Narnia through a wardrobe. It’s a great series and it sparked discussions about bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. During these discussions, each of my children always had something to contribute.And we still read aloud in my house- this isn’t just something to do with young kids!
Bringing Facts to Life with Stories
Let’s be honest—dry facts are hard to remember. But when you wrap those facts in a captivating story, they suddenly stick. Stories give context to information, making it more meaningful and memorable to them. For example, learning about the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a young soldier in a historical novel like Johnny Tremain makes the events come alive and provides a deeper understanding than just memorizing a list of dates or battles ever could. Incorporate a Timeline and have your kids artistically draw events for that timeline and you have the beginning of a unit study.
I remember reading Number the Stars which brought the terrible events of World War II to life for my kids in a way no textbook could. It’s set in Nazi-occupied Denmark and the story follows a young girl, Annemarie as she helps her Jewish friend Ellen escape to safety. It’s such a powerful book. Your kids will truly feel the fear, courage, and hope of the characters. This book sparked some meaningful conversations about history, and human nature. But I assure you, the emotional connection to the story cemented the historical facts in my kids minds. A lot of the history I learned in homeschool, I wasn’t taught in public school- and like a lot of homeschoolers, I was learning right alongside my kids.
We all love a good story. Whether we’re laughing at a funny tale or listening to a grandparent share memories at a family reunion. Stories connect us. From a young age, we are drawn to storytelling; it’s in our nature. Narratives connect us to others and offer a powerful way to teach your children. This can truly make learning more integrated and meaningful. For subjects like math that require skill-level lessons, you can set aside time for each child to work at their own level.
Many subjects, however, can be learned together. The depth and complexity of the work may vary depending on the child’s age, but the subject matter can remain the same. Unlike the traditional school model, where subjects are taught separately—language arts, math, science, history—a literature-based approach reflects the interconnectedness of knowledge. Students can read and write about what they are learning in history, science, or geography, making the learning experience more cohesive and efficient.
Engaging Hearts and Minds with Literature
Like we said earlier, literature-based homeschooling can really make learning an adventure rather than a chore. It really does engage your heart and mind! Reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery was a game-changer for us. Set in the late 19th century, it follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and talkative orphan, as she finds a home in a small community on Prince Edward Island. Our kids connected with Anne’s adventures, her dreams, and her challenges. They learned about kindness, perseverance, and imagination in a way that no worksheet could ever teach. Their hearts and minds were fully engaged, and they begged for more every night.
And my kids loved Robin Hood like nothing else. I swear for an entire year, we lived a Sherwood Forest life. I think I’ve talked about this in an episode before. My kids called all their meals “victuals” and I’d yell things like “don’t crown your sister with a cudgel.” Have we mentioned that homeschoolers often have very broad vocabularies?
Diverse and Inclusive Stories for Broader Perspectives
Incorporating diverse and inclusive stories into your child’s reading can have a profound impact, teaching them about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Diverse literature helps your child become a global citizen by fostering empathy and a deep appreciation for the richness of the world’s cultures.
One book that stands out for me is Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. It tells the story of Esperanza who is a young girl who transitions from a life of privilege in Mexico to the hardships of migrant farming in California during the Great Depression.
Books like this helped my kids understand resilience and the immigrant experience. When my son hit high school, I had him read one American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. These are the types of stories they become deeply invested in, nurturing the compassion and social awareness we all hope to instill in our children.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis was another eye-opening read for my kids. Set in the 1960s, it follows the Watson family as they journey from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. It gives you a vivid glimpse into the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of ten-year-old Kenny Watson. This book started some great discussions about justice and equality.
Flexible Learning for All Ages
One of the beauties of a literature-based curriculum is its flexibility. You can teach multiple kids at different ages using the same book. For subjects like math, you can set aside individual time for each child, but for history, science, and literature, you can gather everyone together. The discussions that follow a shared reading experience are invaluable and allow each child to contribute at their level.
One of my favorite books I read with my now 17 year old is The Giver by Lois Lowry together. This dystopian novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas as he discovers the dark secrets of his seemingly perfect community. My student was fascinated by the adventure and mystery but it also sparked deeper discussions about ethics and freedom. It also opened up great discussions about the importance of memory and emotions. It was a wonderful way to learn together.
Connected Learning Across Subjects
Traditional education often compartmentalizes subjects, but the real world is interconnected. A literature-based homeschool mimics this natural learning process, weaving subjects together seamlessly. For example, a book about ancient Egypt can lead to explorations in history, geography, art, and even science.
Reading The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw opened up a world of learning for us. It’s set in ancient Egypt and follows a young boy named Ranofer who dreams of becoming a goldsmith. During the time we read it, we explored ancient Egyptian culture, architecture, and daily life. We also created art projects inspired by Egyptian artifacts, learned about the geography of the Nile, and even tried their hand at writing in hieroglyphs. This is just one of the books we read during that unit study. But this book really stands out because it was such a fantastic story. Doing all these activities and reading rich literature really tied multiple subjects together beautifully.
Finding Your Love for Reading
Now, you might be thinking, “But I don’t really love to read!” Trust me, you’re not alone. Many parents weren’t taught to appreciate books and stories growing up. I felt the same way at first. But seeing my children’s love for books grow as we read together changed everything. Their excitement and joy were contagious, and before I knew it, I found myself loving literature too. This can be your experience as well!
How to Create a Love for Literature
Are you excited to make literature a meaningful part of your family’s life? It’s easier than you might think! Here are some simple, yet powerful, ways to spark a love for literature and weave it into your homeschool:
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Designate a special spot in your home where everyone can snuggle up with a good book. Fill it with comfy chairs, soft blankets, and a wide selection of books that cater to each person’s interests. This inviting space signals that reading is a valued and enjoyable activity, making it more likely that your kids will want to spend time with their books.
Set a Reading Routine
Establish a regular reading routine, whether it’s bedtime stories, morning read-alouds to kick off your homeschool day, or afternoon quiet reading time. Consistency helps build a reading habit, creating a sense of anticipation and making reading a treasured part of your day.
Visit the Library Regularly
Make library trips a fun and frequent outing. Let your children explore the shelves and choose books that spark their curiosity. The joy of discovering new books can be incredibly motivating, and many libraries offer story time or reading programs and events.
Little Free Libraries
Tina’s Little Free Library
Mix Up the Genres
Introduce your children to a variety of genres—from fantasy and historical fiction to biographies and science books. This keeps reading fresh and exciting while broadening their horizons. Explore our Top 50 books for New Readers and our Favorite Middle School books that are also favorite read-alouds. Be sure to offer a variety as different genres help children develop diverse interests and discover what types of stories resonate with them.
Read Together and Discuss
We love family read-alouds and we encourage you to spend time reading books together and engaging in thoughtful discussions about them. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, plot, and what they think of the story. These kinds of conversations enhance comprehension and also help make reading a shared experience.
Incorporate Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a wonderful way to enjoy literature, especially for reluctant readers. Listen to them during car rides or while doing chores—expressive narration can bring stories to life in a whole new way. Check out our blog post with some of the best resources to listen to FREE Audiobooks. Audio books are not cheating! They help kids develop listening skills and can introduce them to more complex books when they may not have the skill to read at that level yet.
Celebrate Book-Related Activities
You can bring the stories you’re reading to life with activities related to the books. Cook a meal from a culture you’re studying, create art inspired by the story, or take a field trip mentioned in the book. These hands-on experiences make the stories tangible and memorable which deepens their connection to the literature.
Model a Love for Reading
Let your children see you enjoying books. Share your excitement about the stories you’re reading and discuss them with your family. When kids see their parents valuing and enjoying reading, they’re more likely to develop a similar appreciation.
Create a Home Library
Build a collection of books that your family can easily access. It doesn’t have to be expensive—thrift stores, garage sales, and library sales are great places to find affordable books. A home library not only fosters curiosity but also creates a sense of pride in having a personal collection of stories.
Encourage Writing
Nurture your child’s creativity by encouraging them to write their own stories. Provide journals and encouragement for their imaginative efforts. Writing helps children find their own voice and deepens their appreciation for the stories they read. This could be a poem, a creative story, or a recount of a historical event.
Start/Join a Homeschool Book Club
Create or join a homeschool book club where your kids can read and discuss books with their friends. This makes reading a shared activity, allowing them to bond over their favorite stories and deepen their love for literature. Book clubs also teach kids how to express their thoughts and listen to others. You can also join a mom’s book club!
Embrace the Joy of Literature-Rich Homeschooling
A literature-based education can harness your children’s natural love for stories. It enhances their communication skills, and makes learning an engaging, connected experience. It can introduce your child to other cultures, making them a global citizen with empathy for others. It’s a common-sense approach that’s both memorable and effective, allowing you to learn alongside your children and enjoy the journey together. So grab a book, gather your family, and get started!
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